The massive logistical operation to build the Race Village for the Auckland Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race began in the Viaduct today (Monday).

Bob Harvey, Chair of Waterfront Auckland, welcomed the Auckland Stopover Operations team, led by Kerry Ellis (Head of Venues & Operations) as they started work on the Race Village site.

'I'm proud to see Auckland's waterfront space utilised for the Auckland Stopover,' said Auckland Mayor Len Brown. 'Wynyard Quarter and Te Wero Island is the natural home for such a prestigious and eagerly anticipated event and thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors have vivid memories of this area as the spectator home for previous international sailing events.'

Over the next 16 days, the Auckland Stopover Operations team will construct a Race Village with a footprint of more than 20,000 sqm, co-ordinate the arrival, unloading and storage of 150 shipping containers, create six Team Bases for the competing yachts, oversee the building of the Volvo Experience, sponsor pavilions, the entertainment stage, public bars, the set-up of Race HQ, the Media Centre and much more.

'As the owner of the Auckland Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race, we are delighted to see the build get underway. There's been months of meticulous planning to get to this stage,' said Jennah Wootten, Manager, Major Events for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development. 'We have partnered with Mayo& for this project, they have a great team of staff and volunteers in place and we're looking forward to getting the job done ready for the opening of the Village on 8 March and the arrival of the fleet.'